Preparing for your first appointment at Repsher Physical Therapy

Before your visit, make a list of questions you’d like to ask during your first meeting and call our office ahead of time to verify your insurance benefits at 518-489-2524.

You will register at the front desk when you arrive at our office. We’ll ask for your insurance information and any other paperwork you may have brought with you (i.e., referral, X-ray or MRI report, or other medical reports). Be prepared to talk about your medical history, previous treatments, limitations you’re dealing with, and other relevant details.

What to bring:

• A valid photo ID

• Insurance information, including your insurance card and any necessary authorization or referral forms

• A list of current medications, allergies, and any relevant past surgeries

What to wear:

• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement and provides access for the physical therapist to examine and treat the affected area. (Athletic wear or clothing that can be easily adjusted is ideal.)

• Supportive, closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers, to ensure safety and comfort during the session.

• Avoid wearing tight or restrictive clothing, which may hinder your ability to move freely during the session.

When to arrive:

• Plan to arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any necessary paperwork and settle in. This will also give you time to ask questions and address concerns before your session begins.

During your first session, one of our physical therapists will typically perform a comprehensive evaluation, develop a plan of care (POC), and provide education, pain relief, and home exercises.

The evaluation will take up most of your appointment time. It includes a review of your medical history, an assessment of your current condition, and an examination of your range of motion, strength, and movement patterns. Our therapist will also discuss your goals and determine how long and how frequently you should attend your physical therapy sessions.

Our therapist will then use information from the assessment to develop your customized plan of care. (POC) They’ll explain the details of your plan and offer any relevant information to help you understand why your treatment plan will be effective.

If you’re struggling with pain or mobility limitations, your first session will likely include some hands-on treatments to address these concerns, such as manual therapy and pain reducing modalities. Your therapist will also give you a home program including exercises to help support your progress in therapy.

After your first session, you’ll arrange the remaining sessions at the front desk before leaving. During those subsequent physical therapy sessions, we’ll build on the initial evaluation to create the most significant impact possible. Our goal will be to help you recover quickly and achieve meaningful, lasting results.

Our Albany, New York therapists will keep a detailed record of their findings and plan of care and can provide those to any medical professional of your choosing. You will be treated only by a licensed physical therapist at our facility from start to finish. We do not employ PT assistants or aides.

Communicating openly and honestly with your physical therapist throughout each session is essential, as is sharing any concerns or questions you may have. This will help ensure the most effective treatment and a positive experience. We will listen, understand your concerns, and provide you with the best possible solution!